How do you remove limescale buildup from an iron using household items? How can you properly clean the ironing surface from burnt fabric stains? Most cleaning agents are likely already in your home
If you notice burnt fabric residues on your iron, it’s essential to clean them off. Not only will your ironing be less effective, but there’s also a risk of staining white fabrics. Cleaning these burnt stains isn’t complicated, but it can take a bit of time depending on how badly the iron is clogged and whether synthetic fabrics are involved.
Cleaning Synthetic Fabric Stains
If the stains are from synthetic fabrics, set the iron to its lowest temperature. The heat will soften the buildup to some extent. Then, rub the iron on a damp, rough cotton cloth. An old towel you no longer use would work well for this. This should remove most of the residue.
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If the buildup is sticky, you can use another easily accessible item – old newspapers. Set the iron to the highest temperature and run it over the dry old newspapers. Move the iron across a large surface area so the paper doesn’t overheat. If the stain is stubborn, sprinkle a little table salt on the newspapers and repeat the process.
Baking Soda or Nail Polish Remover
If the stains remain, make a paste from baking soda and water and use it as a cleaning agent. For the toughest stains, try adding a bit of white vinegar. If that still doesn’t work, you can opt for a store-bought cleaner, but that’s only necessary if the iron is extremely dirty.
Dish detergent can also be an effective cleaner, as it dissolves grease. For stains caused by synthetic materials, try using a cotton ball soaked in nail polish remover. When using acetone, make sure the iron is cool, unlike with other cleaning methods.
How to Remove Limescale Buildup
If you notice water dripping from the iron instead of steam, it’s likely that limescale buildup is the culprit. Limescale is a simpler issue to resolve compared to burnt fabric stains, as it always has the same cause. The most effective household cleaner for this is white (or alcohol) vinegar. Apple cider vinegar can work too, but alcohol vinegar is more effective. Pour a 50:50 mixture of water and vinegar into the iron, heat it, and let the steam escape.
During the cleaning process, you can take breaks to let the vinegar work and dissolve the limescale, then reheat the iron and continue releasing steam. During these breaks, check the holes in the iron’s soleplate. After finishing, rinse the iron with vinegar, both inside and out, by running distilled water through it twice. Distilled water, which can be found in any grocery store, should also be used during regular ironing, as it doesn’t contain limescale.
If the steam holes are clogged, you can use a toothpick or an old toothbrush to help the vinegar remove the limescale buildup. It’s important not to use any metal tools, as they can damage the iron’s surface. The same rule applies when cleaning the soleplate from burnt fabric – any metal object will permanently scratch the iron.
Photo: Freepik